Weston Bans Nightclubs, Skating Rinks to 'Protect City,' Says Mayor
While many South Florida cites may have certain regulations on clubs and dancehalls, one South Florida city has gone as far as to completely ban such businesses altogether.
Weston city has officially banned clubs, dancehalls, and even skating rinks within its city limits. Mayor Eric Hersh said the new regulation would be a "non-issue" because residents have long upheld that those businesses should not exist within the area.
"There aren't those uses in Weston, there won't be those uses in Weston, and we were never planning to allow those uses in Weston," Hersh told the Sun Sentinel. "This is something that we thought would protect the city."
Violence within South Florida clubs has risen and continues to pose safety threats to many South Florida cities. There were at least nine instances of gunfire where a night club was involved last year, more than double from the year before according to the Sentinel. There are also five reported nightclub stabbings in the area since 2002.
Residents have also complained about crowd and noise problems, and it is likely that the new regulations will cut down on both.
Commissioner Jim Norton confirmed that despite the lack of clubs and dance floors, dancing itself would not be banned. Teens will still be allowed to have school dances, meet at the YMCA, and can also enjoy a outdoor skating rinks if they so choose.
Indoor skating rinks are also a part of the city ban because officials fear that the indoor rinks will be used to hose secret night clubs on off hours.
